What is FLL?
FIRST LEGO League (FLL) is a robotics program utilizing LEGO MINDSTORMS technology and adding kids’ creativity. The program was formed from the partnership of FIRST and LEGO in 1998 and grew exponentially from there. FLL is now international with teams from more than 31 countries participating.

What ages can participate?
FLL is for kids 9-14 years old (up to age 16 outside of the U.S. and Canada). To be eligible, a child cannot be older than 14 on January 1 of the year the Challenge is announced.

What makes up an FLL team?
An FLL team has a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 10 kids (a kid can only be on ONE team!) and an adult coach. Teams will also often have a mentor or even multiple mentors in differing fields. Other team members that are extremely influential but often forgotten are the parents, teachers, and community!

What is the FLL Challenge?
Every September FIRST releases the FLL Challenge for that season. This Challenge is based on a set of real-world problems facing scientists and engineers today. It has two parts that teams must complete: 1) Building a robot to compete in the Robot Challenge, and 2) Researching and solving a problem faced by real-world scientists and presenting their solutions.

Do you have examples of past FLL Challenges?
Past Challenge themes have included: Ocean Odyssey, traveling into the depths of the oceans; No Limits, improving aides and accessibility for people with varying levels of physical ability; and Mission Mars, unlocking the fascinating world of Mars. The FLL Challenge approaches any current scientific or technological issue because when given the opportunity kids will tackle anything!

What is the typical season?

On-line Team Registration: May - Full Capacity OR late September, whichever comes first
Challenge Revealed: Mid-September
Building Season: October - November
Tournament Season: November - January
World Festival: Mid-April

Do I have to be part of a school to form a team?
No! Any organization or group can create a team: schools, community groups, churches, neighborhoods, etc. If you have interest from a lot of kids, you as a coach or organization are able to register more than one team (note kids are permitted on only one team).

Is there a fee associated with team registration?
Yes, there is a fee for team registration along with other costs to consider. A general estimate that can be used as the principal cost for a team to participate in FLL is $600 for new teams and $300 for returning teams. This principal cost estimate does not consider team extras such as buttons, t-shirts, building your own field table, travel, etc. For more detailed information on registration and product costs, visit the Registration Information page in the Team Community area. Please note that costs may vary from season to season.

Is participation in an FLL event included?
No, participation in an FLL event is not included and it is not guaranteed. Tournament application typically opens in mid-October. The vent participation fee will vary from event to event, but is generally $50 per team.

I’m an educator and my school has never had a team before. Does FIRST have info on what to do once we have a team?
Yes. When you register for a season you receive a Coaches’ Handbook. We strongly recommend that all coaches utilize this tool. The handbook should be used as a guide to bring you through the entire season – from forming the team to conducting a team meeting, to preparing and participating in the tournament.